Bird

Review
By BayViews, Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California

In this picture book for older readers, Elliott deftly draws out the nuances and subtle degrees of emotion while keeping her storytelling accessible to her audience. At the same time, Strickland’s vulnerable watercolor illustrations of the African-American family in the urban setting heighten the emotional tenor of Elliott’s story. Bird’s artwork, represented by ballpoint line drawings, are superimposed on Strickland’s tableaux, integrating Bird’s thoughts and imagination with what he observes and experiences. . . . Children who have had the unfortunate experience of seeing loved ones fade away will appreciate [Bird] most.